tsoya classic

Jesse sits down with writer and satirist Neal Pollack for this TSOYA Classic. At the time of the interview, Pollack had recently released "Alternadad," which is "The True Story of One Family's Struggle to Raise a Cool Kid in America."

Last year, Pollack released "Stretch: The Unlikely Making of a Yoga Dude." More updates on Pollack's work can be found on his website as well.

Philadelphia rapper Peedi Peedi, also known as Peedi Crakk was a member of the group State Property at the time of this TSOYA Classic. Jesse talks to Peedi about his then-upcoming solo album "Prince of the Roc," as well as his upbringing amidst hip-hop culture and the challenges he has had to face both personally and artistically.

This TSOYA Classic takes a look back at Jesse's conversation with writer Vendela Vida. They discuss her work as co-editor of The Believer magazine, and the then-recent publishing of her book "Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name."

Julie Synder is a senior producer on the public radio show This American Life. Jesse talks to her about her early affiliation with the show and continued influence there. Synder elaborates on what she has learned at This American Life as far as selecting and presenting stories go, and how This American Life differs from other public radio programs.

Brandon Bird's paintings place minor celebrities into bizarre situations, which often combine ridiculousness with banality. For this TSOYA Classic, we take a look back at Jesse's conversation with Bird, as they discuss his realistic pop art style. Bird talks about the role of humor in art and the things he believes are missing from modern art. Bird has worked on paintings of Christopher Walken, Edward Norton, and the Law and Order television show, among others.

Jesse and Hornyak discuss the attitude differences between the United States and Japan towards the use of robots in daily life. Hornyak explains that Japanese currently utilize robots in museums, hospitals, and other public areas. He believes Americans are too "robophobic," uncomfortable with having robots as a part of human society. Listen for more information on the increasing robot technology and be prepared for robot migration to your neighborhood!

We continue our journey into The Sound of Young America's vast audio archive with this program from The Sound of Young America Classics.

Woodrow Phoenix is the author of "Plastic Culture: How Japanese Toys Conquered the World." Jesse calls him from across the pond and talks to Phoenix about this book, as well as the role of toys in modern society. Phoenix's book touches upon the development of Japanese toy culture, the development of urban toy culture, and the significance of plastic in constructing these toys.